Why are smishing attacks particularly effective?

What is Smishing?

Smishing is another term that describes a specific phishing attack wherein attackers use text messages to deceive unsuspecting victims into handing over personal information, financial credentials, and perhaps login information. This is in the same category as phishing and depends on social engineering techniques whereby attackers masquerade as a legitimate source, such as banks or a service provider, to attain a victim’s confidence. The term is simply a combination of “SMS” and “phishing,” and therefore indicates how these attacks shift to mobile messaging.

smishing attacks

How Smishing Works

Cybercriminals use various gimmicks to target victims using smishing. Based on trust, context, or emotional triggers, attackers craft urgent or relevant messages. These communications normally contain links that either install malware or direct users to fake sites where they are instructed to enter personal details. Once this information is stolen, fraudsters may engage in acts such as identity theft, money theft, or even accessing corporate data.

The malicious message usually claims to be an urgent notice from a financial institution, the government, or a company, convincing an unsuspecting victim that action needs to be taken immediately. Attackers use spoofing or burner phones to mask their numbers, keeping their real identities hidden and making it easier to send malicious messages.

Types of Smishing Attacks

There are various types of smishing attacks. The most common include:

  1. Financial Services Smishing: Attackers pose as a bank or other financial institution, claiming to “unlock accounts” or “authorize suspicious activities.”
  2. Gift Smishing: False promises of free goods or services encourage users to click on a link to claim their prize, only to fall into a trap.
  3. Invoice/Order Confirmation Smishing: An order confirmation message is forged, urging users to “verify” details to avoid unwanted charges.
  4. Customer Support Smishing: Impersonating Amazon, Google, or Apple, attackers claim to resolve account issues, thereby compromising users’ sensitive credentials.
  5. COVID-19 Smishing: Hackers take advantage of the pandemic by offering health updates, information about stimulus checks, or contact tracing, using public fear to their advantage.

Smishing Attack Examples

Smishing attacks have been observed in many regions of the world. Some real-life examples include:

  • iPhone 12 Scam: Con artists posed as Apple, offering a free iPhone 12 and asking for credit card details to cover a small shipping fee.
  • USPS/FedEx Delivery Scams: Texts claim that a parcel could not be delivered and direct victims to phishing sites to provide personal information.
  • COVID-19 Test Scams: Texts falsely claim that recipients must take a mandatory COVID-19 test and direct them to fake websites.

How Smishing Spreads

Smishing mostly spreads through fraudulent short message services (SMS). The personal nature of SMS creates a false sense of security, making users more vulnerable to falling into the trap. Mobile users are especially at risk because they tend to multitask, often checking messages when distracted or in a hurry, under the false belief that smartphones are safer than computers.

Smishing can also spread through data-based messaging applications, so any texting-enabled device is vulnerable.

How to Prevent Smishing

Fortunately, preventing smishing attacks is relatively straightforward with a few best practices:

  • Do not reply: Even replying with “STOP” to unsubscribe confirms that the phone number is active, and scammers may continue targeting it.
  • Slow down: Treat every urgent message with skepticism. Verify information directly with the bank or company using official channels.
  • Do not click on links: If something seems suspicious, avoid clicking on links. Instead, visit the organization’s official website or call them.
  • Verify the phone number: Smishing messages often come from unknown numbers, like 4-digit codes or masked email-to-text services.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, preventing thieves from accessing them even if they have your password.
  • Don’t store credit card information on your cell phone: This helps protect financial information if your phone is stolen.
  • Install anti-malware software: Mobile security software, like Kaspersky Internet Security, can identify and block malicious SMS and links.
  • Report smishing attempts: Report smishing messages to authorities to help track down attackers.

Conclusion

Thus, in a nutshell, smishing is an emerging and dangerous form of phishing targeting mobile users through deceptive SMS messages. By understanding how these attacks work and taking simple precautions, one can be protected from smishing and its potentially disastrous consequences.